'16 states yet to domesticate FOI Act'
The National Association of Seadogs urges state governments to fully domesticate the Freedom of Information Act to ensure genuine transparency and accountability in public governance. While the federal law exists, the failure of numerous states to implement it effectively renders it largely symbolic. True access to information is compromised when state governors retain exclusive power to approve the release of public records, preventing citizens from holding their leaders accountable for the use of tax funds. This lack of implementation significantly fuels the spread of disinformation and misinformation, which severely undermines the institutions that support democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Consequently, media freedom and journalist safety remain under threat, with press freedom declining despite legal frameworks intended to protect it. Without robust state-level adherence to the act, the press cannot function effectively to verify facts and inform the public, leaving societies vulnerable to manipulation and instability. This issue is critically relevant to open data because the principle of open data relies on the mandatory, unobstructed release of government information. Domesticating the FOI Act is a necessary precursor to achieving true open data governance at the sub-national level. Until states are legally compelled to disclose records without discretionary suppression, the potential for open data initiatives to enhance civic engagement and improve service delivery remains unrealized, perpetuating opacity in public administration.
Source: tribuneonlineng.comPublished on 2023-05-15
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